Britain will go to the polls on 8 June
The prime minister has announced that a general election will be held on 8 June.
Under the terms of the Fixed-Term Parliament Act, two-thirds of MPs must vote in favour of the early election in order for it to take place. The prime minister will present the motion to the Commons tomorrow.
“It was with reluctance that I decided the country needs this election” – Theresa May //t.co/YU5MtK6YxS pic.twitter.com/dHQPaBjxQD
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) April 18, 2017
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn responded:
“I welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.
“Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.
“In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country. We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain.”
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has issued a statement:
“This election is your chance to change the direction of our country. If you want to avoid a disastrous Hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the Single Market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance. Only the Liberal Democrats can prevent a Conservative majority.”
Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas said:
“Britain is at a crossroads – and today’s announcement means that people are rightly given a say over the direction this country is going to take. Only the Green Party offers a bold, positive vision for a different kind of Britain. At this election we will stand for an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few; a Britain that’s open to the world and the protection of our precious environment. We will stand up to the politics of hatred and division that is scarring our communities and give people across the country a chance to vote for a better Britain.”
Nicola Sturgeon has tweeted in response to May’s statement. It will be interesting to watch how the SNP manages its campaign, and how it affects the prospects of a second referendum.
The Tories see a chance to move the UK to the right, force through a hard Brexit and impose deeper cuts. Let’s stand up for Scotland. #GE17
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) April 18, 2017
More to follow…
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6 Responses to “LIVE: Theresa May calls snap general election”
BarryE
Had May wanted an election a month ago, she could have called it for the 4th May. By having it at the same time as the local elections she would have saved the country many millions. Therefore, she has only just decided to have it.
There have been a number of pieces in the press, some listing Brexit job losses, some suggesting that there would have to be concessions leading towards a softer Brexit than the “swivel-eyed loons” want. Conclusion – May wants a bigger majority so that she is less dependent upon the hard right.
Will she get it? The Tory press will rally behind her and the Tories will hoist the banner of the 52% Brexiteers. The Lib Dems have already positioned themselves as the anti-Brexit party of the 48% and should make a resurgence in those parts of the country where they have often been seen as the anti-Tory party. It might be tempting to say that the Labour party has been squeezed out but …
I would say there is a vacancy for a party that presents itself as the Unity party, the only party to put the national interest first.
P.S. Another hung parliament would be interesting.